This story
was taken from Bulatlat, the Philippines's alternative weekly
newsmagazine (www.bulatlat.com, www.bulatlat.net, www.bulatlat.org).
Vol. VI, No. 11, April 23-29, 2006
The commemoration of the
Cordillera Day is an event that has become the biggest annual political
solidarity gathering of indigenous peoples not only in the Cordillera Region but
also worldwide. This day is traced back to the eve of April 24, 1980 when
soldiers belonging to the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry
Division led by Lt. Leodegario Adalem entered the village of Bugnay, Tinglayan,
Kalinga and killed Macliing Dulag, leader of the struggle against the Chico Dam.
BY MARIE CONIE DUERME
The commemoration of the Cordillera Day is an event that has become the biggest
annual political solidarity gathering of indigenous peoples not only in the
Cordillera Region but also worldwide.
Based on a Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) statement, this day
is traced back to the eve of April 24, 1980 when soldiers belonging to the
Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry
Division led by Lt. Leodegario Adalem entered the village of Bugnay, Tinglayan,
Kalinga and fired at two houses.
The attack meant to kill two staunch and respected leaders of the
Kalinga and Bontoc peoples opposed to the World Bank-funded Chico River Basin
Hydroelectric Dam Project of then dictator Ferdinand Marcos. They were Ama
Macliing Dulag, a respected pangat (tribal chieftain) of the
Butbut tribe and Pedro Dungoc.
Dulag died from multiple gunshots while Dungoc, though wounded,
survived. Dungoc joined the New Peoples Army (NPA) and years later died a red
fighter.
In the same statement, Dulag’s assassination is said to
strengthen the determination of the Kalinga and Bontoc tribal people to defend
their collective right over their land and resources against common enemies –
the Marcos dictatorship and the World Bank– funded Chico Dam. The commemoration
of Dulag’s death from 1981 to 1984 was called the Macliing Memorial, the CPA
statement further related.
However, with the broadening of the Cordillera mass movement
encompassing all provinces and the broadening issues of Cordillera, the
commemoration began to be called Cordillera Day in 1985. This also symbolizes
the widening unity and solidarity among the Cordillera’s different tribes,
advocates and support groups. With the Cordillera groups are their friends and
advocate groups from the barangay (village) level to international groups and
conventions.
In June 1984, upon the invitation of the Kalinga-Bontoc Peace
Pact Holder, people’s organizations in the Cordillera had the Cordillera
People’s Congress in Bontoc, Mountain Province. The CPA was formed, and one of
its first tasks is to lead in the annual commemoration of Cordillera Day on the
death anniversary of Macliing Dulag, to remember the resolve and unity of the
Cordillera peoples to resist all forms of development aggression in the
Cordillera. The first Cordillera Day celebration was held in Sadanga, Mountain
Province.
Since then, Cordillera Day has been held annually in different
towns of the region. Cordillera Day focuses on burning issues of the day to
guide these peoples’ meetings resulting in collective resolutions that serve as
basis of the alliance’s programs throughout each year.
According to CPA secretary-general Windel Bolinget, the general
program is usually a two-day celebration that includes workshops on major issues
affecting indigenous peoples; presentations on the regional and national
situation and challenges; sharing experiences and lessons from struggles
defending indigenous peoples’ rights and various cultural presentations on
sectoral and community issues; commemoration of Cordillera martyrs; mass
dancing; playing of gongs and community chanting. The festive atmosphere of each
celebration remains political yet colorful and inspiring.
Bolinget said the Cordillera Day is a political statement on
present realities by the militant Cordillera peoples’ movement. It carries the
advances of the mass movement for self-determination, national democracy, and
solidarity across regional, national and international levels.
“The celebration of Cordillera Day has also expanded overseas,”
Bolignet added. “For several years, Cordillera Day has been celebrated in Hong
Kong, Belgium, and Macau. These were being organized by Cordillera migrants and
workers together with international solidarity partners.”
The Cordillera Day and the CPA’s campaign and struggles are
expected to continue until the people’s aspirations become real, Bolinget said.
Northern Dispatch / Posted by Bulatlat © 2006 Bulatlat
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Northern Dispatch
Posted by Bulatlat